Kevin Richert
Statehouse roundup, 3.6.26: House begrudgingly but overwhelmingly passes spending cuts
In other news, a Senate committee received a pep talk from Boise State University leaders, who urged lawmakers to stand up for Idaho’s college athletic programs.
Analysis: This year’s GOP primaries could be more unpredictable (and more important) than ever. Here’s why.
Familiar faces. Enticing rematches. Bad blood. Good drama. The May election will be entertaining — and consequential.
Shinn calls restructuring a long-term strategy, but says savings are unknown
“We’re at the point now where trimming 1%, 2% out of every department is making every department just a little less ready to serve our students,” Boise State’s interim president told Idaho EdNews Wednesday.
Major restructuring will merge two Boise State schools, and close a college
It’s not immediately clear how many positions will be cut, but one dean has already left the university. Potential cost savings are another unknown.
Idaho colleges may face new foreign competition for international students
As international students reconsider attending colleges in the United States, other English-speaking nations “are delighted to welcome” them, said David Douglass, president of The College of Idaho.
U of I professor receives $10 million award in defamation case
A TikTok influencer falsely connected the history professor Rebecca Scofield with the November 2022 slayings of four University of Idaho students.
Analysis: As the session continues, a semester of uncertainty unfolds on campuses
The funding picture for Idaho higher ed could become clearer — and more grim — in the next few days. But the budget cuts are already affecting students and staff.
BYU-Idaho reports winter enrollment increases
On-campus enrollment is up by more than 5% from last winter. Overall enrollment is up by a whopping 22%, due to a surge in online student numbers.
Analysis: Lawmakers show signs, maybe, of recognizing a special education crisis
After neglecting a $100 million budget gap — and the needs of 41,200 Idaho students — lawmakers have two relatively low-cost chances to put their money where their mouth is.
Politico article spotlights Little-Trump education nexus
This week, the national political news site highlighted the way Gov. Brad Little and other GOP governors are tailoring his education message to align with the White House.